Hip Replacement

What is Hip Replacement?

During this procedure, muscles and tendons are split from the hip and the implants made of metal and plastic will replace the damaged bone and cartilage.

What are the Types of Hip Replacement?

At OrthoNebraska, we perform total hip replacements from both the front (anterior) and the back (posterior). The posterior approach has been the favored approach for a long time with great long-term clinical results, while the anterior approach is growing in popularity. Long-term, studies have shown no significant difference in outcomes with either approach, so the correct approach is a matter of individual physician and patient preference. As a destination for joint replacement, OrthoNebraska believes in the approach that works best for each individual patient.

If you feel strongly about a particular approach, please let us know when you make an appointment.

Who Should Have a Hip Replacement?

Total hip replacements may be needed due to bone or cartilage damage from arthritis, fractures, or other circumstances. Total hip replacements are an effective method of treatment and offer many patients pain relief and allows them to return back to their everyday activities. When you have constant pain during daily activities and other nonsurgical treatments like aspirin or injections no longer provide good enough pain relief, it’s probably a good time to consider surgery.

However, hip replacements are not for everyone. They are generally avoided for patients younger than 40 years of age, as revision surgery is not ideal, and would be necessary for most of those patients due to implant life maximizing at around 30 years. Hip arthroscopy or conservative treatments are generally recommended for younger patients.

How Well Does a Hip Replacement Work?

This surgery is considered the gold standard for relief from hip pain. Still, this surgery should not be undertaken lightly, as it takes about a year to fully recover to the point you can be more active than before surgery. The good news is that OrthoNebraska has been recognized as a destination for hip replacement based on our shorter length of stays, low infection rates, our nurse-to-patient ratio and other factors. At OrthoNebraska, we excel at getting people moving again after total hip replacement surgery. It’s what we do.

What Can I Expect When I Have a Hip Replacement?

After your surgery is scheduled at OrthoNebraska Hospital, a nurse navigator will reach out to you to discuss your needs and encourage you to review our online educational videos and guide to help you prepare.

Some example of things we will encourage you to do:

• Plan on having some help at home for the week or so after your procedure
• Plan ahead at home and think about ways to make maneuvering around your house and kitchen easier
• Make sure all handrails are secure and that loose cords are tucked away to prevent falling

You will need a pre-surgical physical to make any necessary accommodations based on your health history. When you arrive at the hospital, you’ll speak to your surgeon and anesthesiologist. You are more likely to receive a spinal block for anesthesia than general anesthesia, and you will be placed face up for the procedure. The procedure generally takes a few hours and you should expect to stay in the hospital for most of the day, or sometimes a night or two. It is rare for patients to require two nights or more.

After you are settled in your room, your physical therapist and nurse navigator will work with you and your doctor each day, helping you walk and accomplish daily motions that are necessary for your independence.  Still, it is helpful to have someone with you at home for the first week or so.

Time off from work is typically about four to six weeks for office workers. Full recovery may take about a year, depending on your general health and dedication to activating and strengthening the joint and surrounding muscles over time.